Jacksonville Jaguars Community Report 2016-2017 | Page 25

Although I had to grow up faster than most children,
there were still times I would revert to being “a child”
and not want to do typical things like go to practice or
class, but my mother was one to never let me slip up.
She pushed me and made sure my coaches pushed me to
excel in all areas, whether it was academics, sports or
as an individual. My mother’s resilience led me to play
for UCLA and then get drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006 as their lead tight end. As team captain
for three years in a row, I found leading by example was
the type of leader I wanted to be for my teammates,
showing my commitment to them and to the game.

MARCEDES LEWIS IN THE
COMMUNITY

Today my mother runs my foundation, the Marcedes
Lewis Foundation, to give back to inner city kids in my
hometown, Long Beach, California. She also works with
women who are victims of domestic violence. Each year
she comes down and helps out at the Hubbard House
here in Jacksonville, supporting women and children
facing similar challenges and assists in the healing
process. My mother continues to tell her story, give
women confidence and show them their worth. My
mother will always be my inspiration and the number
one woman in my life

Marcedes founded The Marcedes
Lewis Foundation, which focuses on
educating children in the benefits
of exercise and healthy living and
supports the community by providing scholarships that enable participation in their favorite sports.
The Marcedes Lewis Foundation fosters academic, social and emotional
growth in students by stressing the
importance of good grades, promoting cooperative learning and
emphasizing sports as a means of
building self-confidence.

AWARDS
John Mackey Award (2005)
Consensus All-American (2005)
First-team All-Pac-10 (2005)
Pro Bowl (2010)
Pro Football Focus All-Pro 
(2010)